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Tag Archives: drama

Based on a true story, Queen of Katwe follows the journey of Phiona (Madina Nalwanga), a young girl living in Katwe, an impoverished area of the Ugandan capital. At age 10, Phiona and her brother Brian discover the Pioneers, a missionary program where Robert Katende (David Oyelowo) teaches underprivileged children the game of chess. Very quickly, Phiona proves herself a chess mastermind, and it is her talent, along with that of some of her classmates, which prompts Katende to push that the children be allowed to compete in African and international chess championships, even though the children have never attended school and many cannot read or write.

The inspiring aspect of this story lies less in Phiona’s rise to become a Woman Candidate Master, and more in the struggles of her family and the sacrifices they must make for the game. Phiona’s mother Harriet (Lupita Nyong’o) especially makes hard choices for the sake of her family and there are no shortage of obstacles for this young, single mother, but she, like her daughter, is a champion, bringing heart and a happy ending to this biographical film.

Inspired by the book Jambusters by Julie Summers, this BBC TV show is set in rural Cheshire, in the village of Great Paxford. Home Fires showcases the Women’s Institutes’ contribution in boosting morale on the home front during WWII. It’s the story of a group of inspirational women who are left to carry on during one of history’s most trying times. We share their emotional struggles, their fear, their sorrows, and their determination to “carry on” no matter what.

Since its premiere in 1999, The West Wing has become a modern classic among TV dramas. Focusing on the senior staff of the White House under (fictional) President Bartlett (Martin Sheen), the show tackles policy and public relations issues alike. The staff, made up of the chief and deputy chief of staff, two communications directors, the press secretary, and their assistants, prove themselves to be both intelligent and funny and really gel as a team as their presidential term and the season continue. Have season 2 ready to go because the first season ends with a cliffhanger that’s not to be missed!

A gripping true story about a man who stood for his convictions while defending his country, Hacksaw Ridge details the life and service of Desmond Doss. A conscientious objector, Doss refused to bear arms. Nevertheless, like many others, he volunteered to join the army after the attack on Pearl Harbor. As a combat medic, Doss’s heroics saved 75 lives during a WWII battle. Just a warning: the combat scenes (which start about halfway through) are quite graphic.

Hacksaw Ridge won Oscars for film editing and sound mixing. Andrew Garfield (actor) and Mel Gibson (director) received Oscar nominations.

I loved Code of a Killer. Told in three parts, it follows a serial killer who was killing young teenage girls. And you didn’t see who did it, but the way they showed different people, you formed suspicions.

We also learn about Dr. Alec Jeffreys, whose DNA studies were not going well. When a woman asked him to prove her son was her biological child to prevent his deportation, his test actually worked. At the same time, the police were not getting anywhere with solving the murder. When the killer struck again, someone suggested that Jeffreys could help.

Based on the true story of how the police started using DNA to catch killers, Code of a Killer is a very intense, fast paced mystery.

A gripping movie that will keep you enthralled from beginning to end, Sully is based on a true story: on January 15, 2009, after a bird strike killed both engines, Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger III landed his US Airways plane on the Husdon River in New York City. All 155 people on board survived.

Knowing about “the miracle on the Hudson” will not dull your interest in Sully. Starring Tom Hanks (Sully) and Aaron Eckhart (Jeff Skiles, his copilot) and directed by Clint Eastwood, the film focuses on the humble hero during the water landing and the subsequent chaos. This heartwarming drama is so worth an uninterrupted screening (or two).

Following the life of Chiron from childhood to adulthood, Moonlight tackles his mother’s drug addiction, his father figure’s shady business, bullies, and growing up gay in a world that hates you for being different. Every scene is beautifully shot and phenomenally acted, with memorable performances from Mahershala Ali, Naomi Harris, and all three actors who play Chiron: Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhoades. This film won three Oscars at the 2017 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali).

Join us on Friday, June 2nd at 7pm for a showing of this movie at Out@theLibrary, our new LGBTQIA program series. We will show the movie and serve popcorn, and afterwards, discuss of the film and LGBTQIA issues.

Amy Adams portrays Margaret Keane, creator of the Big Eyed Waifs, whose talent was unrecognized for years, while her husband Walter (played by Christoph Waltz) took all the credit. Big Eyes follows their romance and the eventual deterioration of their marriage as Walter’s drinking, mental health, and the lie they lived became more than Margaret could bear. After reading The Muse by Jessie Burton about a fictitious couple who hide behind the same type of artistic ruse, one wonders how often this has occurred throughout art history. How many great women artists have had to hide their talent with a man’s signature?

This is Al Pacino at his best. As a New York City cop, he sees corruption all around him. When he refuses to extort money from criminals, his fellow officers turn against him. When he tries to do his job, he experiences vengeance in the worst form. A grand jury inquiry only makes things worse.

Based on a true story, Serpico helped to bring corruption into the headlines. The gritty realism of the film shows the versatile actor in a character that will stay with you long after the film ends.

Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) finds growing up in today’s modern world challenging, especially in the shadow of her next-to-perfect older brother Darian (Blake Jenner). This coming of age tale in the vein of The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles is candid and honest with humorous moments of what it’s like to be a teenager who just wants to have a real conversation with another human being in person and not through social media and their phone.

Her mother (Kyra Sedgwick) is busy with her own problems and oblivious to her daughter’s obvious struggles with school, friends, and social life. To make matters worse, her brother and her best friend find a romantic connection—which sends Nadine over the edge. Her one and only confidant, her history teacher (Woody Harrelson), seems to be the only constant in her life who actually pays her any real attention until one day the unexpected friendship of a thoughtful boy gives her a glimmer of hope.